Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses with the trophy after his win over Pablo Carreno-Busta of Spain during the singles final of the ATP Barcelona Open tennis tournament at Real Club de Tenis in Barcelona on April 24, 2022 (Photo by Josep LAGO/AFP)
BARCELONA – Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz won his fourth title in his youth career, defeating eighth seed Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3 6-2 in the final of the Barcelona Open on Sunday. Japan, hours after winning the semi-final was postponed due to rain.
The 18-year-old will break into the world top 10 on Monday at the same age, on the same day and after winning the same tournament as his compatriot and 21-time Rafa Nadal champion. in 2005.
The US Open quarter-finalist joined compatriots including Nadal, coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya lifting the championship trophy in the ATP 500 claycourt tournament.
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Fourth career title for @ alcarazcarlos03!@ alcarazcarlos03 beat Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3 6-2 to win his first Barcelona championship! @bcnopenbs | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/h246Xkr7ZB
– ATP Tour (@atptour) April 24, 2022
“It means a lot. I’ve been watching this tournament since I was a kid. I have always wished to play in this tournament and of course be able to win this tournament,” said Alcaraz. “I’m really happy to be part of the (historic) list of Spain.”
His singles tally is four after winning Miami and Rio de Janeiro this year and winning at Umag last July, when he became the youngest tour-level champion since Kei. Nishikori won the title at Delray Beach in 2008.
Alcaraz is predicted to rise to 9th place when the latest ATP rankings are released.
The Next Gen ATP Finals champion has had to work hard for his most recent crowning, with the semi-final at Barcelona pushed to Sunday because of rain on Saturday and Alcaraz saving two match points to pass. via Alex de Minaur 6-7 (4) 7-6 (4) 6-4.
His win in three hours and 40 minutes earned him the title in a clash with mentor Carreno Busta.
“It’s hard to play a final this afternoon after this, after this week, but it’s a final,” Alcaraz said earlier.
“You have to give 100 per cent, fight until the last ball. Never tired, have to fight like the first day”.
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